Means for propulsion.



H. M. CAKE.

MEANS FOR PRUPULSION. APPLICATION F|LD1uNL29,1910.

Lwg, Patented 11111612, 1917.

l@ ,Air

HORACE M. CAKE, 0F WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

MEANS non PaorUL'sroiv.

masses,

Specification vof Letters Patent.

V)Patelated June 112, 1917..

Application led J une 29, 1910. Serial No. 569,509.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HORACE M. CAKE, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the city of Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Means for Propulsion, of which the following is a speciiication.

This invention relates broadly to the art of propulsion and more particularly to a mechanism for propelling steam ships, air ships and the like.

The principal object of the invention is that of a mechanism for propelling steam ships, air ships and the like by causing power from a unitary source to be distributed among multiple propellers in such manner that each of the multiple propellersacts so that the action of each is dependent upon the re-action of the other or others of the multiple propellers.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism for propelling vessels and the like, by causing each of a seriesof multif ple propellers to act in reciprocal relation to all other of the multiple propellers in the propulsion system.

A further object of this invention is to provide a mechanism of propelling steam ships by causing each of a series of multiple propellers to automatically rotate at their maximum eiiiciency with reference to the actual amount of horse power transmitted b v said propellers.` y

A still further object of this invention is to provide a mechanism of propulsionby screw propellers wherein said screw propellers are permitted to rotate in balanced relation one to another.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a propulsion device wherein screw propellers are mounted upon a single propeller shaft in such manner that each of said propellers is arranged to rotate so that the whole system of propulsion is automati cally balanced.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a propulsion system wherein multiple screw propellers are carried upon a single propeller shaft and are arranged to operate in reciprocal relation with one another, the means for causing said reciprocal relation all being carried on the propeller shaft exterior from the body of the vessel which is being propelled.

Other and further objects of this inveu- Ition will in part be obvious and will in part be pointed out in the specification hereinafter by reference to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this application, and the scope of the invention will be indicated by the appended claims.

Throughout the several figures of the drawings, like numerals will be usedto indicate like parts.

`Figure l is a detail sectional elevation of the outer end of the propeller shaft with propellers mounted thereon.

Fig. 2 is an elevation of the gearing mechanism taken from Fig. l, looking in the direction of the arrow A with the aft propeller removed.

Fig. 3 is a detail elevation of the outer portion of the propeller shaft showing thev mechanism for operating a plurality of propellers in a reciprocal 'mannen Fig. 4 is a modification showing the manner of operating a number of propellers upon a propeller shaft, such that the propellers operate reciprocally in pairs.

Referring particularly to tlie drawings and especially to Figs. l and 2 of the drawings, a propeller shaft 1 extends outwardly through the stern of the ship (indicated diagrammatically by dotted lines) fromthe usual and well known form of stern bearing,

vwhich is not shown in this application for the reason that it forms no part of this invention, and carries upon its outer end a transmission header 2. The transmission header 2, which is firmly attached to the propeller shaft in such manner that all of the power delivered to the propeller shaft 1 may be transmitted from the header 2 through mechanisms, which will Ihereinafter be more specifically described. The header 2 is provided with openings 4 in the periph ery thereof, which openings form housings for compensating gears or pinions 5, that are mounted upon king bolts 6, which pass through the header into "the openings inthe propeller shaft, and thus serve both the purpose of being liournals for the several compensating gears 5 and also stub bolts for preventing the header 2 from turning upon the propeller shaft. An annular ring 7 is secured to the transmission header by means of stub bolts 8, in such manner as to form a protector for the compensating gears and also to form a retaining means for supporting the outer ends of the king bolts G. Small cotter pins or bolts 9 are adapted to i their proper relation to support the oompenliu pass through the annular ring 7 and the outer ends of the king bolts 6, in such manner as to positively retain the king bolts 1n sating gears-6. A propeller 10 is, loosely mounted upon the propeller shaft 1, forward of the transmission header 2. A second propeller 11, is also loosely mounted upon the propeller shaft 1, aftof the transmission header 2. The propellers 10 and 11, are formed with annularl beveled gear faces 12 and 14 respectively, and are adapted to be in engagement with thebeveled gears upon diametrlcally opposite sides of their axes.

f 'A thrust collar 15, is xedly mounted upon the propeller shaft 1, forward of the propeller 10, and a second thrust collar 16, is also lixedly mounted uponthe propeller shaft aft of the propeller 11. Rin s 17 and 18, of anti-friction metal are place between the propeller 10, thrust collar 15, the propeller 11 and the thrust collar 16 respectively. Rings 19 and 20 of anti-friction metal are also placed between the header 2, propeller 10 and the other side of the header 2 and propeller 11. The function of the several rings of anti-friction metal is to prevent wear upon heavy parts that are not easily replaced, and thus enables the wear upon a propulsion system to be very easily taken up by replacing the small rings of anti-friction metal.

By reference to Fig. 1 of the drawings, it will be noted that if this device be fitted to a steam ship, the several rotating parts will be running in water and therefore will not require any special or specific cooling mechanism to absorb heat which may-be generated due to the friction of the several parts.

llt will also be noted by referring particularly to Fig. 1, that .the annular ring 7 is formed of such a width and of such a nature as to prevent extraneous and foreign substances from entering into the cogged mechanism, thereby endangering the strength of the cogs and making the device liable to be broken or inoperative. The particular structure which has hereinbefore been described, enables a ship builder to use reciprocally acting propellers without the necessity of changing any of the inboa'rd structure of the shi-p, as would be necessary where the compensating mechanism is placed upon the interior of the ship and the power transmitted to propellers by the use of tubular shafting. l

ln the operation of this particular form of invention as is illustrated by Figs. 1 and 2, the power from the propeller shaft 1 iS transmitted to and through the transmission header 2, whereupon it is transferred to the compensating gears 5, by means of the king bolts (i. The compensating gears mesh upon their opposite sides with the annular gearsl li'and 14, and transmit their energy equally masses running in comparatively undisturbed water except for such disturbance as the flow of water against the hull of the'ship. The aft propeller however, will be running in the disturbed water which is forced rearwardly by the forward propeller (that is assuming that the vessel is being propelled forward). Therefore, it will be seen that in order for the aft propeller to deliver as much power as the forward propeller, the aft propeller must run at a higher speed. Since the compensating gears 5, amount to a mechanical pivot or balance distributing the power equally -from each sideof their center, they form an automatic mechanism which permits the aft propeller to run Vat a higher rate of speed than the forward propeller. However, at all times the amount of power delivered by each propeller is an equality.

Fromthe above discussion it will be seen that this system shows one form of structure by means of which, a steam ship or other vessel may be propelled by propelling forces which exert their energy in the nature of a reciprocal re-action against the water or other media through which they liow, irresplefctive of the disturbance of the water itse Referring particularly to Fig. 3, a propeller shaft 21 is shown as carrying a series of multiple propellers, i. e., 22, 24, 25 and 26, all of which are adapted to work in reciprocal'relation with each other and all of which are mounted for rotation about the propeller shaft 21. The propeller shaft 21 carries lixedly mounted thereupon, a transmission header 27, which carries compensating gears 2 8, that mesh with annular gears 29 and 30, which are formed upon propellers 22 and 21 respectively. Forward of the propeller 22, is carried a thrust block 31, which is adapted to maintain the propellers in proper relationship on the shaft when the mechanism is being reversed. The propeller 24 is formed with an elongated hollow shaft or collar 32,

which extends aft and comprises a secondary transmission header, which is exactly similar to the transmission header 27, except for the fact that the secondary transmission header is integral with the collar 32, while the transmission header 27 is fixedly mounted upon the propeller shaft21. The propeller 25 is rotatively mounted upon the exterior of the collar 32, and the propeller 26 is rotatively mounted upon the propeller shaft 21. Compensating gears 35, carried by the secondary transmission header, mesh upon one side with anannular beveled gear 36, formed upon the propeller .25, and upon their other sides theymesh with an annular gear 3T formed integrally upon the propeller 2G. Aft of the rear propeller 2G, a'thrust block ring` 38 is liXedly mounted upon the propeller' shaft and is adapted to retain the Vseveral propellers in their proper relationship when the ship is being propelled in a forward direction. A thrust ring 39 is placed between the propellers 24 and 25 in order to keep said propellers properly spaced when the device is in action. In this particular' construction illustrated in Fig. 3, the various Wearing surfaces between the several propellers are provided with Wear rings of anti-friction metal, similar to the tivo propeller construction which has been hereinbefore described in minute detail. The wear rings have been omitted from the drawings in order that the drawings may be less complicated and thus more clearly set forth the function of the device rather than detail structure which amounts to a matter of mechanical skill.

It has been found that propellersfixedly mounted in series upon a propeller shaft,

are not as eilicient as a single propeller in propelling a steam ship, the reason for this being that the flow of Water from the forward propeller greatly impairs the action of each succeeding propeller. Attempts have been made to form a long continuous propeller having its blade formed on a helix ol accelerating pitch, but such ropellers have also been found to be ine cient for the reason that it is difficult to ascertain the proper rate of acceleration for the helical curve to be given in order to make a properly formed propeller, and even if such propeller were made, it would only be theoreticall/ correct for one side of the propeller sha t.

In the device illustrated in Fig. 3, the lseveral propellers automatically accommodate themselves to any speed of the propeller shaft, in such a Way that the forces delivered through the propeller shaft are proportionately divided between the propellers 2:2 and 24, and further the forces acting upon the propeller 24 are again proportionately divided between the propellers and 26, so that it will be noted the entire force of the propeller shaft is distributed in varying proportions throughout the entire set of propellers.

Fig. 4 illustrates a modification showing a multiple system similar to that illustrated in Fig. l, as applied upon a single propellerv shaft. In this particular construction each pair of propellers operate entirely independ-l ent from every other air, and each pair operates according to t e laws Which have been described in connection with the construction illustrated in Fig. 1. Therefore, it is thought that further description of Fig. l is unnecessary.

'l'liis invention has been described as providing a method of propulsion particularly, but I vdo not desire that it shall be understood to be limited as applying only to Water traffic, for the principles of this invention apply with equal force to aerial navigation.

I also-desire it to be understood that the language used in the-claims is intended to cover all generic and specific features of this invention hereinbefore described, rand all statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of language might fall therebetween.

Having thus described my invention what I desire to claim is l. A mechanism for propelling ships or s@ the like Which consistsin tWo propellers mounted upon a single propeller shaft, means operatively connecting each propeller with said ropeller shaft 1n such mannerA that each of said propellers Will at all times automatically deliver one-half the energy transmitted by the propeller shaft.

2. A propellin mechanism for ships comprising in com ination a propeller shaft, compensating means carried upon said propeller shaft, multiple propellers mounted or rotation about said propeller shaft, and

operative means connecting said propellers With said compensating mechanism to drive all of`said propellers in the same rotative direction.

3, In a mechanism for propellingy ships or the like, the combination of a propeller shaft, transmission mechanism carried by said propeller shaft, compensating means 1,30 carried upon said transmission mechanism, multiple' propellers mounted for rotation about said propeller shaft, and operative means connecting said compensating mechanism and said propellers, substantially as described.

4. In a propulsion mechanism, the com bination of a propeller shaft, propellers mounted for rotation about said propeller shaft, rotative compensating means carried by said propeller shaft, and operatively connected with each of said propellers to drive all of said propellers in the same rotative direction, substantially as described.

5. In a propulsion mechanism for ships or the like, the combination of a vpropeller shaft, multiple propellers mounted for rotation about said propeller Shaft, and compensating means connecting said propellers Withgsaid propeller shaft, the construction and arrangement of parts being such that the rotation of each ropeller is dependent upon the resistance o ered by the other propeller.

6. In a propulsion mechanism for ships or the like, the combination of a propeller shaft, multiple propellers mounted for rotation about said propeller shaft, and compensating means operatively connected with said propeller shaft and each of said proupon said propeller shaft and inthe same f pellers to drive all of-said propellers in the same rotative direction, the construction and arrangement of parts being such that each propeller is adapted to deliver an equal amount of power received from said prof tion in such manner as to equalize the effec:

tive force delivered by each propeller.

8. In a propulsionmechanism for ships or the like, the combination of a propeller shaft, propellers mounted upon said shaft, a

header mounted upon said shaft to revolvev therewith, compensating gears rotatively mounted in said header, and annular gears attached to said propellers, substantially as described.

9. In a propulsion mechanism for ships or the like, the combination of a propeller shaft, a propulsion mechanism rotatable rotative direction as said propeller shaft,

and compensating means for enabling said propulsion mechanism to operate at a speed different from said propeller shaft.

10. In a propulsion mechanism for ships or the like, the combination of a propeller shaft, propulsion mechanism carried by said propeller shaft, said propulsion mechanism including propellers rotatable upon said shaft and rotative compensating means for permitting said propulsion mechanism to rotate at a speed different from that of the propeller shaft. y

11. In a propulsion mechanism for ships or the like, the combination of a propeller shaft, propellers mounted for rotation about said propeller shaft, and means including compensating gearing for permitting said propellers to rotate at a speed different from that of the said propeller shaft.

12. Ina propulsion mechanism for ships or the like, the combination of a propeller shaft, multiple propellers mounted to rotate upon said propeller shaft, the blades of each propeller being pitched in the same direction, and means for causing each .propeller to deliver an equal portion ofthe energy transmitted to the propeller shaft.

13. In a propulsion mechanism for ships or the like, the combination of a propeller shaft, a transmission head iiXedly mounted upon said propeller shaft, compensating gears carried by said header, an annular ring mounted upon said header in such manner as to protect said compensating gears, propellers'mounted for rotation about said propeller shaft, annular gears formed upon said propellers,` and `thrust block .mechanism carried by said propeller shaft,

substantially as described.

14. In a propulsionmechanism for ships or the like, the combination of a propeller shaft, a transmission head carried by said propeller shaft, compensating gears mounted upon said transmission head, multiple propellers mounted to rotate about said propeller shaft, and means for causing all of said propellers to deliver an equal amount of thrust, substantially as described.

15. In a device of the class described in combination, a propeller shaft, a pair of propellers mounted to rotate on said propeller shaft, and a differential gearing carried by said propeller shaft and cooperating With each of said propellers to drive the same.

16. In a device of the class described in combination, a propeller shaft, a pair of propellers movably mounted on said propeller shaft, a differential gearing mounted on said propeller shaft to rotate therewith, and gear mechanism attached to each of said propellers and coperating With said differential mechanism to drive said propellers in the same rotative direction as the propeller shaft.

17. A mechanical movement comprising tWo vanes, a driving shaft extending continuously through both of said vanes, a bearing for said driving shaft, and compensating means acted upon by said driving shaft and acting upon said vanes, whereby the speed of either of said vanes is dependent upon the resistance imposed upon the other vane. p

18. A mechanical movement comprising tvvo vanes, a driving shaft extending continuously through both of said vanes, a bearing for said driving shaft,vand compensating means acted upon by said driving shaft and acting upon said vanes, whereby both vanes are driven in the same direc- HORACE M. CA K E.

tion.

Witnesses:

J. M. PENNooK, EDWARD K. CAKE. 

